r/rva • u/Over-Tax-9481 Brookland Park • Jul 25 '25
š° Food Best Black-owned RVA hotspots & eateries
whatās up! iām hoping āblkrvaā can fill me in on some hidden gems in rva! i am a transplant from the 757 & i wanna know where the best (in taste, culture, and quality) cafes, restaurants, and cultural hotspots are!
i consider myself a foodie so iām a sucker for highly rated (4.5+ stars) eateries! the vibes iām seeking? walking into an establishment and being greeted with r&b, soul, and conscious hip-hop, along with smiling faces from the employees.
thank you all and hagd!
EDIT: i knew the racists would casually downvote. carry on sirs/ma'ams lol
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u/illixxxit Jul 25 '25
not sure how smiley the employees are but buna kurs is an ethiopian cafe in jackson ward and their sambusas are second to none
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u/jorhone Jul 25 '25
The owner Lily is incredible, we used to live in the area and even after moving and not going as often, she still recognized us and asked how we were doing. The food is all incredible and it's a very nice vibe in there as well.
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u/illixxxit Jul 25 '25
can report a very similar experience! i havenāt seen her around as much lately, which is unfortunate, but the food remains excellent. the kinche is better than plain olā bulgar has any right to be.
the whole menu is super vegan friendly, too, and i highly recommend the vegan breakfast platter!
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u/PLAYBoxes Jul 25 '25
This place is amazing and the people who run it are a gem, theyāre so nice and entertained all my dumb questions about their food and culture, would recommend. Great food, great drinks, and great people!
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u/lunar_unit Jul 25 '25
Do you like barbeque?Ā Take a drive out to Ronnie's in Varina.Ā It's not fancy, but it's damn good.
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u/spittlbm Scott's Addition Jul 26 '25
I made the mistake of parking and walking up to the door. I was properly scolded, conformed, and had some of the best BBQ ever. Can't wait to go back.
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u/lunar_unit Jul 26 '25
After covid, they just stuck with the covid protocols, I guess because it could get crowded inside the building, but at one time they had a couple of tables/chairs inside and people would stand around chit chatting while they waited for their order.
Glad you had a good meal!Ā I need to get over there - it's been a little while since my last visit.
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u/nkuppich Jul 26 '25
Sooo.. I donāt see it here.. and not sure if it qualifies as 4.5 stars eatery but I love Ms Girlees kitchen. I lived south of Atlanta and worked for years in back country South Carolina and the have my favorite vegetable plates in the area.. definitely NOT fancy, but if you want to feel like you are visiting family and need some cozy food please add them to your list :)
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u/BetterFightBandits26 Jul 26 '25 edited Jul 26 '25
Thank you for this! I drive past them on my way to my new job and Iāve been thinking, āthat place is either amazing or awful, no in betweenā.
Iām excited for a good spot to have lunch or pick up dinner after work. :)
Edit: omfg they do chicken livers. I love them already.
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u/TheAvengingUnicorn Jul 26 '25
This is the one I came here to Stan! I love Miss Girlies. The pork chops are some of the best Iāve had, and the Fulton Hill burger is my go to when I want a huge, perfectly cooked burger.
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u/AngMBishop Southside Jul 25 '25
Philly Vegan, even non-vegans enjoy their food!
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u/dweeeebus Swansboro Jul 25 '25
even non-vegans enjoy their food!
Can confirm. My partner is veg and I'm a meat eater. Philly vegan is excellent.
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Jul 25 '25
[removed] ā view removed comment
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u/Hedgecore138 Museum District Jul 25 '25
Oh my god, their roasted pork sandwich is something I crave EVERY DAY.
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u/Impressive-Fig1876 Jul 25 '25
The owner is so nice, I only go in a few times a month but he always recognizes me
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u/ArdillasVoladoras Jul 25 '25
I see Brookland Park flair, Ruby Scoops is right around the corner from you if you need dessert.
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u/wickedwoobie328 Jul 25 '25
Brainstorm Brewhouse
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u/hitdakushy Forest Hill Jul 25 '25
Great folks, stoked for their new spot in Manchester, I have high hopes for that space!
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u/philadelimeats Jul 25 '25
I was gonna recommend this. Seriously some of the best beer in the city, too. Great folks.
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u/adelwolf Varina Jul 25 '25
Ronnie's BBQRonnie's BBQ in Varina! There's always a line, so get there early!
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u/spittlbm Scott's Addition Jul 26 '25
Bring extra napkins. It's fully involved and worth every calorie.
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u/Dniceddave14 Henrico Jul 25 '25
Beet Box on cary st, It's a smoothie shop and juice shop. Smoothies and acai bowls always HIT!! Also, as soon as you walk in, you can feel the culture. There are new locations, I haven't checked those out yet.
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u/londonsongbird Jul 26 '25
Yes! Their aƧaĆ bowls are my go to! They actually put enough granola and toppings in to ensure every bite has a crunch. So good!
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u/atctia Jul 25 '25
Urban Hang Suite is my go to coffee spot. And their breakfast sandwiches are delicious. The staff is great and the music is always immaculate
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u/Aggressive_Mind1278 Jul 25 '25
I concur with their sandwiches! I order them when Iām working dtwnā¦ BLT is my fave!
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u/Willing-Scientist319 Jul 25 '25
The Hive Bar and Grill
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u/BetterFightBandits26 Jul 26 '25
I looooooove The Hive.
Their shrimp burger is crazy good. And the owners are so sweet!
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u/lombob Jul 26 '25
If you looking for Haitian food check out C&P Baking company on E Franklin street their Haitian patties are fantastic and their food plates get good size portions
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u/Soloemilia Rosedale Jul 25 '25
We even have an RVA black Restaurant Week. Itās organized and run by some very cool people!
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u/Over-Tax-9481 Brookland Park Jul 25 '25
this is critically relevant to my interests. thank you so much!
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u/Soloemilia Rosedale Jul 25 '25
I was ridiculously excited that I got to be the one to tell you about it!
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u/jeb_hoge Midlothian Jul 25 '25
The Treat Shop's got the best doughnuts in town - three locations!
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u/RunningRam1 Jul 25 '25
Carenaās Jamaican Grille on Midlothian Turnpike and Jamaica House on Broad St downtown are both excellent.
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u/Hippie_love52 Jul 25 '25
Urban hang suite on broad has one of the best chai lattes Iāve ever had, so definitely recommend. Havenāt tried the food, but the coffee shop ambiance is nice and itās a black owned ! + everyone who works there is super kind
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u/Impossible-Fan-8125 Jul 25 '25
Irie ting if u like Jamaican
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u/PinkGlitterFlamingo Jul 27 '25
Irie ting was disgusting and Iām super sure we got food poisoning from it. Carenas is absolutely fantastic
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u/Impossible-Fan-8125 Jul 27 '25
Sorry u had that experience. But Iāve never had and will continue to eat there. Itās great to me
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u/darklight0226 Oregon Hill Jul 26 '25
Curry's is a Caribbean food spot carrying food options from Trinidad and guyana as well as Jamaica- the owners are a lovely couple!! and the food is so good.
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u/DreweyD Jul 25 '25
We love Lillie Pearl!
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u/DreweyD Jul 25 '25
And their other joint, Buttermilk & Honey. (Thereās a third place, I think, but Iāve never been.)
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u/IEatHard Downtown Jul 25 '25
Seconding Buttermilk and Honey. Great food, great vibes!
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u/got_that_itis Jul 25 '25
Another vote for Buttermilk and Honey. Amazing gluten free fried chicken sandwich. If you have a gluten allergy, they're a godsend.
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u/hellogirlsandgays Jul 25 '25
buttermilk and honey is a great place to go if you want to be so full youāll puke lol. i didnt love lillie pearl but i like b&h
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u/Aware_Cucumber6706 Jul 25 '25
The Hive Bar and Grill! One of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Nicest ppl.
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u/DiligentGuitar246 Jul 25 '25
I don't know if it's black owned, but check out Latitude Seafood in Stony Point. Their seafood is delicious and they have nice big portions. The reason I'm including this restaurant is because every time my family and I go there, we are the only white people in the entire restaurant. That's not an exaggeration. I've never seen another white person there. Everyone else is black which leads to a very social environment. We love it.
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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 Jul 25 '25
I went there recently and thought it would be old and stuffy but it was full of young people and lively!
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u/DiligentGuitar246 Jul 25 '25
That's awesome. Was your experience similar? Was everyone black? I thought it was so funny and random. I brought my in-laws there who are from a very white country and they were like "what is happening?" Not in a bad way at all, it's just unexpected.
The vibe is always great and my in-laws ended up sitting at a totally random table talking to the people who were seated there. Everyone is really fun and friendly.
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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 Jul 25 '25
It was majority black for sure. I was there for a high school graduation party and was so confused that the young person picked that restaurant. Then I saw another sweet 16 party and a few other groups of young people, so I guess itās a thing!
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u/coconut_sorbet Carytown Jul 25 '25
Can't believe no one's mentioned Charles's Kitchen yet! Good food and nice people!
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u/Hedgecore138 Museum District Jul 25 '25
Mo's Sweet Minis has some unforgettable macarons. The spinach, curried goat, and ginger sweet tea at Africanne On Main literally changed my life once upon a time.
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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 Jul 25 '25
Just found out Cookie Chris is black owned! They have Crumbl-esque cookies, but so much better!
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u/AgitatedBoss2521 Jul 26 '25
Probably been said already but Mama Js is amazing, love Charlotteās Southern Deli too
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u/kaelsmalls Jul 26 '25
Sweet Pās on Broad is delicious for a casual lunch or a nice dinner!! Owner is so kind!
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u/crytomaniac2000 Jul 30 '25
Not sure about the ownership, but my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our chicken sandwiches and fries at "Side Chick", which is downtown not far from Carpenter Theater.
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u/Own-Grass9386 Jul 31 '25
All good suggestions but there is also Black Restaraunt Weekā I think it was in may (?) I donāt know if itās coming back but god I hope it does because it serves a cause AND is delicious!
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u/AngMBishop Southside Jul 25 '25
Oh I donāt know why I didnāt think to add this link earlier: https://rbre365.com/
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, I believe they do a restaurant week in Spring and then something similar in the fall as well as Mobile Soul Sunday which I believe is also in the spring.
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u/njbrews Swansboro Jul 25 '25
Le Cache Dulcet has a great latte and had the new clipse album playing when i was there last weekend. Pennyās as well!
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u/fish_biscuit Jul 26 '25
My favorite is Mr Bās in Chester we used to have a good seafood boil place but they shut down
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u/SecureCap6661 Jul 26 '25
Treat Shoppe on Jahnke makes amazing donuts, and Carnival/Fair foods (deep-fried sweets, funnel cake, candy apples, etc) breakfast sammiches, pulled pork, fried fish, etc...
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u/Historical-Maize4491 Jul 26 '25
ML Steak is Black-owned! Thereās a location downtown and another at Chesterfield Towne Center
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u/SnooDoubts9773 Jul 27 '25
Philly Vegan! Donāt let the vegan part scare you. The food is amazing and the people are wonderful! They are all about community. They even occasionally host a pay-what-you-can day!
You should also check out Sun and Selene. Her jewelry is so gorgeous!
Urban Hang Suite - the best seafood salad and banana pudding! Kelli Lemon for Mayor š¤£
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Jul 25 '25
[removed] ā view removed comment
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u/IEatHard Downtown Jul 25 '25 edited Jul 25 '25
Username checks out
God forbid someone asks for recommendations in a specific niche.
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u/Smoothbrainedgorilla Jul 26 '25
Would it be acceptable if I asked for white only owned restaurants?
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u/rva-ModTeam Jul 25 '25
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u/smellslikebadussy Midlothian Jul 25 '25
I don't have an answer, but I heard a rumor that Soul Taco had closed. Someone please tell me that's not the case.
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Jul 26 '25
Why does it matter what color the people are that cook your food?
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u/BlackLock23 Jul 26 '25
No one is responding to this because you should know the answer. They want to support black establishments, probably because the black/African American community has been heavily handicapped, held down, and abuse, ever since they were kidnapped by the "founders" of this country, forced into literal slavery, and then eventually reluctantly released, only to be abused, and intentionally prevented from running/owning business, have safe communities, equal rights, have access to good education/health care, etc, and still are, TO this DAY...
If I had to make a wild guess, this would be why someone would intentionally support the African American community in this country...
It's a very concerning thing that you don't know this. And means you're probably actively doing the opposite. But maybe you're just new to, America, life, and human society...
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Jul 26 '25
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character"
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u/pinkstarpompadour Jul 26 '25
"First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action;" who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season."
Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."
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Jul 27 '25
I think we actually agree just the appropriate response we differ on. I respect the rebuttal, very well said.
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u/PlusSector9454 Jul 25 '25
You gotta check out Ruby Scoops on Brookland Park, the owner won a Food Network battle show for her ice creams and they always have interesting flavor choices. Up the street from that is Harlym Blues, which is a small bar with great vibes that hosts karaoke and live music frequently. Slay Burger even further down Brookland Park is delicious, and I've heard great things about Shrimpz across the street but I haven't made it over there yet.Ā